If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and cleanly, this Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe is your new go-to. Combining tender, juicy chicken breast with the sweet crunch of red and green bell peppers, all coated in a lively blend of soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar, it’s a dish that bursts with color and bold taste. Cooking it all in the air fryer means you get juicy meat and perfectly tender veggies with minimal fuss and no extra oil, making dinner not only delicious but also healthier. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fresh, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe cleverly balances savory and sweet flavors while delivering an appealing mix of textures and colors. Each component plays an important role, whether it’s the umami richness from soy sauce or the bright, crisp freshness of bell peppers.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: The lean protein base that cooks quickly and absorbs all the wonderful seasonings.
- Red and green bell peppers: Provide a sweet crunch and vibrant color contrast to the dish.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Adds deep umami flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Worcestershire sauce: Gives a subtle tang and complexity to the marinade.
- Olive oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and adds a hint of richness when air fried.
- Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon brings a nutty aroma that elevates the whole dish.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: For a well-rounded savory background without sharp chunks.
- Coarse salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors naturally.
- Red pepper flakes: A gentle kick of heat to keep things lively.
- Brown sugar: Sprinkled at the end, it melts and adds a subtle caramelized sweetness that balances the soy sauce perfectly.
- Cooked white rice (optional): Makes this dish a hearty, satisfying meal by soaking up all the delicious juices.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by setting your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and letting it preheat for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures your chicken and peppers start cooking immediately and develop that perfect texture—juicy inside with a slight crispness outside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Peppers
Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and cut them into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Then, remove seeds and ribs from both the red and green bell peppers before slicing them into 1-inch pieces too. This size allows everything to cook evenly and gives you a satisfying bite with every forkful.
Step 3: Mix the Marinade and Coat
In a sizeable mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes and bell pepper pieces with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss everything well, making sure every piece gets a lovely coating of the flavorful marinade. This step is where the magic starts as the ingredients mingle and infuse into the meat and veggies.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then spread the chicken and pepper mixture in a single layer. Cook it for 6 minutes, then give the basket a good shake to promote even cooking. After that, cook an additional 5 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through but still juicy, and the peppers become tender but keep their vibrant color.
Step 5: Finish with Brown Sugar
While everything is still hot, sprinkle the brown sugar over the chicken and peppers and toss gently. The warmth helps the sugar dissolve and create a subtle caramelized glaze that beautifully balances the savory and spicy flavors. Serve immediately, ideally over fluffy white rice for a complete meal.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this dish even more. Try sprinkling chopped green onions or fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color and freshness. A wedge of lime adds a zesty brightness that cuts through the rich soy and sugar flavors wonderfully. Sesame seeds also work nicely for a little crunch and an extra nutty touch.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe pairs beautifully with simple, comforting sides. Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is a classic choice that soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly. For something lighter, a crisp cucumber salad or roasted garlic mashed potatoes complement the dish without overwhelming the vibrant flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn this recipe into a fun weeknight stir-fry bowl? Layer the chicken and peppers over rice, then add avocado slices, pickled vegetables, or a drizzle of spicy mayo. Wrap it up in warm flour tortillas for a quick, tasty chicken and pepper taco. You can even toss it with cooked noodles for a colorful and speedy Asian-inspired dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The chicken remains tender, and the peppers hold their flavor well, making this a perfect meal prep option for busy days.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freezing works beautifully. Place the cooled chicken and peppers in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed, the flavors remain vibrant and the textures hold up impressively.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore some crispness and warmth without drying out the chicken. Alternatively, microwave on medium power with a cover to keep moisture locked in. Add a splash of water or a drizzle of oil if needed to keep it juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the same cooking times. You might find the flavor even richer.
Do I need to peel the bell peppers?
No need to peel bell peppers. Just wash, deseed, and chop them. Their skins soften nicely in the air fryer and add lovely texture and color to the dish.
Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps cook the chicken evenly and achieve a better texture, especially to get that slight crisp without drying out. While you can skip it, preheating ensures the best results.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chopped chili peppers to kick up the heat. Adjust according to your spice preference for a mild or fiery version.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, soy sauce alone works fine, though you might miss some of its complex tang. Alternatively, a splash of balsamic vinegar or a dash of fish sauce can add depth.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe enough for anyone looking to bring fast, fresh, and flavorful food to the table with minimal effort. It’s colorful, packed with layers of taste, and perfect for sharing with family or friends any night of the week. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple ingredients come together so beautifully in your air fryer!
Print
Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers recipe offers a quick, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breast cubes and colorful bell peppers are marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, then air fried to juicy perfection. Finished with a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, this meal is delicious served over white rice.
Ingredients
Chicken and Peppers
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 small red bell pepper
- 1 small green bell pepper
Marinade and Seasoning
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Optional
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking.
- Prepare Ingredients: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and cut into 1-inch cubes. Remove seeds and ribs from both the red and green bell peppers, then slice them into 1-inch pieces.
- Marinate Chicken and Peppers: In a large bowl, mix the chicken cubes and pepper pieces with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss everything thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly.
- Air Fry the Mixture: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken and pepper mixture in a single layer inside the basket. Cook for 6 minutes, then shake the basket to redistribute the ingredients. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add Brown Sugar and Serve: While the chicken and peppers are still hot, sprinkle the brown sugar over the mixture and toss gently to allow it to dissolve and add a subtle sweetness. Serve immediately over cooked white rice if desired.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly to at least 165°F for food safety.
- You can substitute bell peppers with other vegetables like zucchini or onions for variety.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.
- For a lower sodium version, reduce soy sauce or use a salt-free alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
